Fastening device



March 5, 1968 R. J. HQLTON 3,371,391

FASTENING DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 2, 1962 2 SheetsSheet 1 i iii =ii 3 i1: I00 v in gig F16, H

INVENTOR. Roazrr J. Hon-on F1 rroensys Mar'ih 1 968 R. J. HOLTON 3,371,391

FASTENING DEVICE Original Filed Jan. 2, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 8

FIG. IO

FIG. IZ

INVENTOR. ROBERT J. Honon IG, F LM, MIM

United States Patent ()fifice 3,371,391 Patented Mar. 5, 1968 3,371,391 FASTENING DEVICE Robert J. Hoiton, Rocky River, Ohio, assignor to Tinnerrnan Products, End, Cleveiand, Ghio, a corporation of Ohio Appiication June 1, 1965, Ser. No. 460,370, which is a division of application Ser. No. 163,938, Jan. 2, 1952, new Patent No. 3,230,591, dated Jan. 25, 1966. Divided and this application Oct. 18, 1966, Ser. No. 587,605 21 Claims. (Cl. 24--81) ABSTRACT OF TEE DESCLGSURE Fastening devices for retaining covers or the like on a container comprising a locking clip for securement over a marginal edge of the container and a supporting clip engageably interlocking with the locking clip for supporting a cover on the container. The locking clip in one form including a dart-like leg for insertion through the material of the container and the supporting clip including a channel for supporting a cover on the container. In addition, a device for retaining the ends of sheets of paperboard or the like having a U-shaped body with legs which have dart-like indents at the ends for gripping engagement with the paper sheets, and, a device having a generally flat body with pairs of slits defining a plurality of spring arms spaced from the body for gripping engagement with the paper sheets.

This is a division of the application to Robert J. Holton Ser. No. 460,370, filed June 1, 1965, which application is a division of application Ser. No. 163,938, filed Ian. 2, 1962, and which issued Jan. 25, 1966, as Patent No. 3,230,591.

In preparing tobacco or other such ingredients for shipment, containers such as tobacco hogsheads formed of kraft paperboard or the like are utilized and provided with removable covers or lids made of paper coated plywood or the like. It is necessary or required, in such cases, that the containers be sealed positively against accidental opening or other such displacement of the covers or lids. In the past, difliculties have arisen when utilizing larger containers with correspondingly larger covers or lids because of the tendency for the larger surface areas to buckle or twist due to accidental or unintended pressures exerted against the walls of the containers when handled and prepared for shipment.

The fasteners of the present invention are especially advantageous for securing covers or lids on containers in which only a relatively small area is available for attaching the fasteners, or when the fasteners must be attached in small, close quarters, as required in many such assemblies wherein space is at a premium. In this regard, the fasteners of the present invention comprise economical sheet metal supporting clips which are readily provided for attachment to the desired containers and together with locking clips are adapted to retain the fasteners in applied position against accidental removal, shifting or displacement of the covers or lids when in the applied position therebetween.

In other forms of the present invention the fastening devices are extremely useful in retaining the fiat sheets of kraft paperboard or the like as they are formed into a cylindrical container, such as a tobacco hogshead, which has, heretofore, presented difliculties due to the tendency of the flat sheets to fly apart before they could be secured into cylindrical fonn by suitable straps, cords or the like. In this regard, the fasteners of the present invention are additionally useful in providing a quick and eflicient means for retaining reinforcing strips of kraft paperboard or the like, that are provided around the outer surface of a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like to strengthen the same when prepared for shipment or during other such handling.

A primary object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a simple, inexpensive construtcion for fasteners of this character which are adapted to be readily secured over the rim of a cylindrical container or the like in the applied position to retain the cover or lid thereon, and which fasteners are adapted for positive self-locking in such applied position to prevent accidental opening or removal of the cover or lid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide construction for sheet metal fastening devices of the kind described which are formed as inexpensive one or two piece clips having integral locking means adapted for automatic self-locking action when in predetermined applied position on the rim portions of a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like in a manner which prevents loosening of the clips from the applied position and positively retains the covers or lids in closed position thereon.

A further object of the present invention is to provide fastening means of the kind described to be efliciently utilized in conjunction with supporting straps or the like that extend from and between opposed fastening devices when in the applied position on the rim portions of a cylindrical tobacco hogshead, or the like, and which eX- tend through intermediate fastening means when in applied position on the cover or lid and in a manner to prevent twisting or buckling of the cover or lid when positioned on a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide fastening means of the kind described for quickly and efiiciently retaining in the applied position fiat sheets of kraft paperboard or the like when formed into cylindrical tobacco hogsheads or the like.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide fastening means that are useful in providing a positive locking for reinforcing strips of kraft paperboard or the like that are positioned around cylindrical tobacco hogsheads or the like when prepared for shipment.

Further objects and advantages and other new and useful features in the construction, arrangement and combination of elements of the fastening devices of the invention will be readily apparent as the following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged side elevational view partly in section showing the fastening device of the present invention as seated in an automatic self-locking action in applied position retaining the cover or lid in closed position on the cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the locking clip employed in FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the supporting clip employed in conjunction with the locking clip in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevational view partly in section showing another form of the fastening device of the present invention as seated in an automatic self-locking action in applied position retaining the cover or lid in closing position on the cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the locking clip employed in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the supporting clip employed in conjunction with the locking clip in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another form of the invention showing the fastening device as a single unit and including a dart-like leg for penetration into locking engagement with the cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view partly in section showing the fastening device of FIG. 7 seated in automatic self-locking action in applied position retaining the cover or lid in closing position on the cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another form of the invention showing a fastening device utilized in retaining flat sheets of kraft paperboard or the like when formed into cylindrical tobacco hogsheads or the like;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side elevational view partly in section showing the fastening device of FIG. 9 clamped in automatic self-locking action in applied position retaining the flat sheets of kraft paperboard or the like when formed into cylindrical tobacco hogsheads or the like;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another form of the invention showing a fastening device utilized in retaining the end portions of reinforcing strips positioned around the exterior surface of a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side elevational view showing the fastening device of FIG. 11 retaining in automatic self-locking action in applied position the end portions of reinforcing strips utilized in strengthening the outer surfaces of cylindrical tobacco hogsheads or the like.

Although the invention is shown herein as fastening covers or lids to a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like it will be understood that the invention may be utilized in securing covers or lids to various containers wherein it is desired to quickly and positively secure such covers or lids to such containers.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 4 and 8 illustrate a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or container 1 of conventional commercial construction made preferably of a material such as paper, cardboard, corrugated board, kraft paperboard or the like, which may be provided with removable top and or bottom lids 3, preferably made of a material, such as paper coated plywood or the like and which are retained in closed position within the container 1 by the fastening devices of the invention. The fastening devices are preferably secured in locked position over the rim portions of the container 1 at suitable spaced points around the circumference thereof. As shown, the container 1 is constructed with a hollow body portion which may be attained by forming the material of the container into a cylindrical shape and securing it therein by means of suitable straps (not shown) positioned around the body of the container and secured by the fastening devices of the invention. Additional straps (not shown) may be secured to the fastening devices from the interior of the container 1 and adapted to extend between opposing pairs of the fastening devices to thereby retain the fastening devices on the sides of the container or to prevent distortion or buckling of the top and bottom lids 3, as will be discussed in further detail subsequently. The fastening devices of the present invention are adapted for economical quantity production from standard sheet metal strip with little waste and may be fabricated from any suitable sheet metal material preferably of a spring-like nature, such as spring steel or cold rolled metal having spring-like characteristics.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 the fastening device in one form may comprise a generally U-shaped locking clip LD and a generally angular or stepped supporting clip SD. The U-shaped locking clip LD may comprise a fiat planar bridge portion 12 and two resilient leg portions 8 and 10 bent downwardly and normally from the bridge portion 12. The inner resilient leg 10 may comprise two indent portions 100 that project inwardly toward the surface of the resilient leg 8 and which are adapted to penetrate the wall of the container 1, thereby preventing lateral movement of the locking clip LD when positioned on the rim of the container 1. The inner leg 10, as shown, is further formed with a generally flat planar flange 102 that extends outwardly and normally from the face of the resilient leg 10 and extends over the cover 3, as shown at FIG. 1. The outer resilient leg 8, in this form of the invention, is provided with a neck portion 104 of lesser dimension in horizontal cross section and is formed adjacent its lower end with an inwardly extending tab portion 105. The neck portion 104, with its corresponding tab portion 106, acts to secure the locking clip LD to the supporting clip SD as well, hereinafter, be discussed.

The supporting clip SD, as shown at FIG. 3 may be formed as a double step configuration from any suitable sheet metal strip. A first vertical upstanding wall portion 108 is formed with an angularly extending flange 112 which projects outwardly when assembled on the wall of the container 1. The vertical upstanding wall is bent outwardly adjacent its lower extremity to form a first planar step which extends generally normally from the vertical wall a distance which corresponds generally to the thickness of the container wall. A horizontally extending slot 114, of a width sufficient to receive the neck portion 104 of the locking clip LD, is formed at the first bend between the vertical wall and the first planar step 110. The first planar step 110 is bent vertically downwardly adjacent its outer edge to form a second vertical wall 116 which in turn is bent outwardly to form a second planar step 118 extending generally normally from the second vertical wall and adapted to support the cover 3 when assembled on the container 1.

A typical application of this form of the invention is shown generally at FIG. 1, wherein the supporting clip SD and the locking clip LD are assembled on the rim of the container 1 to retain the cover 3 in closed position. Each supporting clip SD is assembled on the container, as shown at FIG. 1, by forcing it through material of the wall or by inserting it through an aperture 109 in the wall such that the first vertical upstanding wall 108 extends upwardly along the outer surface of the container with the first planar step 110 extending horizontally between the inner and outer surfaces of the container wall. In this manner, the second vertical wall 116 of the clip will extend downwardly along the inner surface of the container wall and the second planar step 118 will extend outwardly to support the cover 3, when placed within the container 1.

Each locking clip LD may then be easily and quickly applied to the container by placing the resilient legs 8 and 10 on either side of the container rim with the bridge portion 12 resting on the upper surface of the rim. The indent portions 100, on the inner resilient leg 8, may be pressed into piercing engagement with the material of the container wall to prevent lateral displacement of the clip. The neck portion 104 is then pressed downwardly through the horizontally extending slot 114 of the supporting clip SD wherein the tab portion 106 on the neck prevents withdrawal of the latter from the supporting clip SD and positively locks the cover 3 in frictional engagement between the fastening clips.

FIGS. 4 through 6, inclusive, show another form of the invention, wherein the fastening devices, shown generally at B, may again comprise a generally U-shaped locking clip LE and a supporting clip SE. The U-shaped locking clip LE may again include a flat planar bridge portion 12 and two resilient legs 8 and 10 bent downwardly and normally from the bridge portion 12. The resilient leg 10 may similarly include two indent portions 100 that project inwardly toward the resilient leg 8 which act to penetrate the material of the container wall for retaining the latter against lateral movement or displacement. In this form, the resilient leg 10 may be formed with a generally rectangular opening 120 with a countersunk or crimped edge 122 extending out of the plane of the resilient leg 10 and continuously around the periphery of the opening 120. The edge portion 122 is formed to curve outwardly and inwardly from the face of the resilient leg toward the geometric center of the opening 121).

The supporting clip SE, as shown at FIG. 6 in finished form, is of an irregular shape, but which similarly may be formed from a flat sheet of metal. As shown, the clip comprises a generally fiat base portion 124 with two vertically opposed flange portions 126 which bend upwardly and outwardly and are of a dimension sufiicient to be secured beneath the crimped or countersunk edge 122 surrounding the opening of the locking clip LE. The base portion 124 may be formed with a first pair of op posed supporting arm portions 128 which extend parallel and normally from the base portion 124. The base portion may additionally be provided with a second pair of supporting arm portions 130 which extend parallel and normally from the plane of the base portion 124 and whose planes are generally perpendicular to the planes of the first mentioned pair of supporting arm portions 128. The distance between the lower edges of the first pair of arm portions 128 and the upper surfaces of the second pair of arm portions 131 is sufficient to frictionally secure the cover 3 when the latter is assembled therebetween.

In application of this form of the invention, as shown at FIG. 4, the U-shaped locking clips LE are positioned on the rim of the container 1, as aforementioned, with the indents 1th forced into the container wall to secure the clips against lateral movement. The supporting clips SE are then positioned around the periphery of the cover and locked positively into engagement with the locking cli SE by applying pressure to the cover 3 and snapping the flanges 126 beneath the crimped edge 122 extending from the locking clip LE. In this manner, the cover 3 is held in positive frictional engagement between the two pairs of supporting arms 123 and 130 of the supporting clip SE.

FIGS. 7 and 8, inclusive, show another form of the invention, illustrated generally at F, and of a generally U-shaped configuration. In this form, the U-shaped fastening clip may be bent to form a base portion 12 with a resilient dart-like leg portion 132 which extends downwardly along the surface at 134 and outwardly along the surface at 135 defining lateral projections 138 for hearing on the outer surface of the container wall in the applied position of the fastening clip. The reduced free end portion of said leg 132 provides a vertical abutment 14% adjoining said lateral projection 138. An inwardly extending dart portion 142 is spaced from the lateral projections 138 and of a length sufiicient to pass through the container wall and into locking engagement with the cover 3 when in the applied position.

A resilient cooperating leg portion 144 is formed from the other free end portion of said fastening clip base 12 which extends angularly downwardly along its surface at 146 and angularly outwardly along its surface at 148, thus defining a generally U-shaped supporting channel 15%.

The U-shaped supporting channel 159 is formed by continuing to bend the leg portion 148 inwardly along its surface at 151 and then vertically downwardly along its surface to form a bowed or curved base portion 152. The base portion 152 is then bent outwardly along a planar surface at 154, thus defining the U-shaped channel 15% therein. The bowed or curved base portion 152 of the U- shaped channel is formed with an opening 155, sufficient in dimension to receive the end of the dart portion 142 when in the applied position, to retain the fastening clip in locked position on the rim of the container 1. The leg portion 144 is bent inwardly and angularly outwardly beyond the bowed or curved base portion 152, along its surface at 158 and then vertically downwardly defining a flange portion 160. The flange 160 frictionally engages the inner surface of the container 1 and acts to space the U-shaped channel 151) from the inner surface of the container 1.

In application of this form of the invention, there is shown at P16. 8, the U-s'haped fastening device F posit'ioned on the rim of the container 1, as aforementioned with respect to other forms of the invention. The cover 3, in this form, is then supported within the U-shaped channel 150. Pressure is then applied to th dart-like portion 132 causing the dart portion 142 to penetrate through the container wall and into frictional engagement within the opening 156 in the base portion 152 of the U-shaped channel 150, thus automatically and positively locking the cover 3 within the container 1 when in the applied position.

FIGS. 9 and 10, inclusive, show another form of the invention, illustrated generally at G, of a generally U- shaped configuration. In finished form, the U-shaped fastening clips may be bent to define a base portion 12 with inner and outer opposed resilient leg portions 162 and 164, respectively, which diverge outwardly from the base portion 12. As shown, the inner resilient leg portion 162 is bent adjacent its outer end to form an indent portion 166 which acts to penetrate the inner surface of the container when in the applied position, to prevent dis placement of the fastening clips. The outer resilient leg 164 is formed adjacent its outer end in the shape of a V defining a pair of indent portions 168 at the tips of the V which extend inwardly and horizontally when in the applied position. The indent portions 168 thus penetrate the outer surface of the container to thereby additionally secure the fastening clips against displacement.

In application of this form of the invention, as shown at FIG. 10, the U-shaped fastening clips are positioned on the rim of the container '1, wherein the indents 168 and 166 are forced inwardly to retain the ends of the flat sheets of kraft paperboard or the like as they are formed into cylindrical tobacco ho-gshea-ds or the like. It will be noted, that the spaced indents 168, which engage the outer surface of the container, each act to penetrate an end of a flat sheet of the kraft paperboard or the like which form the cylindrical tobacco hogs'head or the like. Moreover, the indents 168 thus positively act to lock the sheets against their spreading apart when formed into the desired cylindrical shape.

FIGS. 11 and 12, inclusive, show another form of the invention illustrated generally at H, which is in the form of a clip constructed of sheet metal defining a body or base portion 170. The body portion 171) may be provided at one end with a first pair of longitudinal lits defining a spring arm 172 between the side portions 171 of the body portion and spaced from the plane of the body portion 171) a distance sufficient to frictionally engage the end of a reinforcing strip when in applied position. The spring arm 172 is free at one end and may be generally flared as at 174 to facilitate insertion of the reinforcing strip therebetween. The side portions 171 may be provided with upstanding indents 176 which act to secure the re inforcing strips when inserted beneath the spring arm 172.

The opposite end of the body portion may be provided with a second pair of slits defining two additional spring arms 178 on either side of an intermediate base portion 181) and spaced from the plane of the base portion a distance suflicient to frictionally engage the corresponding end of a reinforcing strip, when in applied position around the container. The intermediate base portion 181) may be formed with a upstanding indent 132 which functions in the same manner as indent 176.

In application of this form of the invention, as shown at FIG. 12, one end of the fastening clip 170' is secured to an end of a reinforcing strip of kraft paperboard or the like, shown generally at 184. The reinforcing strip 184 is then formed around the outer surface of a cylindrical tobacco hogshead or the like with its free end secured by frictional engagement with the opposite end of the clip 170. In this manner, the reinforcing strip 184 is positively locked about the outer surface of the cylindrical tobacco hogshea-d or the like and acts to prevent damage through buckling or twisting, When prepared for shipment or the like.

While the invention ha been described in detail with specific examples, such examples are intended as illustrations only, inasmuch as it will be apparent that other modifications in the construction, arrangement and general combination of parts may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the fastening devices of FIGS. 1 to 6 may be provided with the modified forms of the buckle-like flange 54 when it is desired to extend the interior supporting straps between upper and lower fastening devices thereby providing additional means for retaining the devices on the side of the container or when it is desired to prevent buckling of the cover as disclosed in the above mentioned Patent No. 3,230,591. In this respect, it is to be understood that the buckle-like flange 54 may be used where it is not desired to reinforce the cover. In the latter case, the arm 54 is used to connect upper and lower pairs of fastening devices by means of the interior supporting straps. Accordingly, any of the fastening devices may be connected in pairs by means of the interior straps for retaining the fastening devices on the side of the hogshead or the fastening devices may be used with the interior straps when it is desired to additionally support the covers against distortion. The present embodimnts are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the straps when it is desired to additionally support the covers going description, with all changes falling within the scope, meaning and range of equivalency of the claim intended to be embraced therein.

1 claim:

1. A fastening device for retaining a cover or the like in closed position with a container comprising, a generally U-shaped locking clip, said locking clip including a pair of spaced legs extending downwardly from a base portion adapted for securement over a marginal edge of a container, one of said legs including a flange portion extending outwardly therefrom adapted for overlying coacting engagement with a confronting upper surface of a cover when in a closed position with a container, and a detachable supporting clip adapted for disposition through an aperture in a wall of a container and adapted to provide a support for a confronting under surface of a cover when in the closed position with said container, said supporting clip including an elongated slot adapted to slidably receive therethrough one of the legs of said locking clip.

2. A fastening device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the portion of said supporting clip providing the support for the confronting under surface of said cover is generally lanar and extends generally parallel to the normal plane of said flange portion of said locking clip when in the applied position.

3. A fastening device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said supporting clip includes a first planar portion disposed adjacent to and generally parallel to to the normal plane of one of the legs of said locking clip when in the engaged position.

4. A fastening device in accordance with claim 3, wherein said first planar portion of said supporting clip is disposed generally vertical when in the engaged position.

5. A fastening device in accordance with claim 3, wherein said supporting clip is bent to form a second planar portion extending perpendicular to said first planar portion.

6. A fastening device in accordance with claim 5, wherein said elongated slot extends lengthwise adjacent the junction of said first and second lanar portions.

7. A fastening device in accordance with claim 1, wherein one of the legs of said locking clip includes indent means for gripping engagement with the material of said container.

8. A fastening device in accordance with claim 1,

wherein said supporting clip is of a generally steppeddown configuration in side elevation.

9. A fastening device for retaining a cover or the like in closed position with a container comprising, a generally U-shaped locking clip, said locking clip including a pair of spaced legs extending downwardly from a base portion adapted for securement over a marginal edge of a container, one of said legs having an opening therein, and a supporting clip adapted to be detachably fitted within the opening in said locking clip, said supporting clip having a plurality of arm means extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to supportingly receive therebetween a marginal edge of a cover when in the closed position with a container, said opening being defined by a peripheral depressed edge portion, and wherein said supporting clip includes flange means adapted for snap-fastening coacting engagement beneath said depressed edge portion in the assembled position thereof.

10. A fastening device in accordance with claim 9, wherein said supporting clip includes a generally planar base portion disposed generally parallel to the normal plane of the legs of said locking clip when in the inserted position.

11. A fastening device in accordance With claim 10, wherein the flange means of said supporting clip is disposed adjacent opposed edges of said base portion and bent in angular relation to the normal plane of said base portion.

12. A fastening device in accordance with claim 9, wherein said arm means includes two pair of generally parallel planar arms, the normal plane of one pair of said arms extending generally perpendicular to the normal plane of the other pair of arms.

13. A fastening device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the normal plane of said other pair of arms is generally parallel to the normal plane of the lower confronting surface of said cover when in the applied position.

14. A fastening device for retaining covers or the like in closed position on a container comprising, a generally U-shaped body portion including a pair of spaced, oppositely disposed resilient legs extending downwardly from a base, one of said legs including a dart-like portion adapted to be inserted through the material of said container, and the other of said legs being bent to provide a generally U-shaped support channel adapted to receive therein and support the cover in the closed position on said container, said dart-like portion being pointed adjacent its terminal end, and said support channel having an elongated slot adapted to receive therethrough the pointed end of said dart-like portion for embedded locking engagement with said cover.

15. A fastening device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said U-shaped channel includes an upper portion adapted for overlying coacting engagement with a confronting upper surface of said cover, and a lower portion adapted for coacting supporting engagement with a confronting under surface of said cover when in the closed position.

16. A fastening device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said other leg includes a downwardly and angularly inwardly extending portion disposed below said channel, and a flange disposed adjacent the end of said last mentioned portion for engagement with an interior wall of said container.

17. A fastening device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said other leg includes angularly outwardly bent portions supporting said channel in spaced relation from an interior wall of said container.

18. A fastening device in accordance with claim 14, wherein said base is outwardly bowed away from said dart-like portion, and said slot extending lengthwise of said base.

19. A locking clip for retaining the end portions of strips of paperboard or the like when in the applied position about a container comprising, a body provided at one end with a first pair of elongated slits defining a first spring arm and a pair of spaced side portions, and a second pair of slits defining a pair of spring arms and an intermediate portion, said spring arms spaced from the plane of said body and bent adjacent their ends away from said body in the same direction, said spring arms spaced from the plane of said body portion a distance sufficient to frictionally engage the end portions of the strips when in the applied position on the container.

I 20. A locking clip in accordance with claim 19, wherein said side portions and said intermediate portion lie in the same plane and include dart-like indent portions projecting outwardly in a direction toward said spring arms, thereby providing a device having one generally flat side to enable said device to be placed between two planar layers of said strips.

2 1. A fastening device for retaining the end portions of fiat sheets of paperboard or the like as they are formed into a cylindrical container or the like comprising, a fiat base portion, first and second spaced-apart resilient linearly extending legs diverging downwardly prior to axially from opposed edges of said base portion defining a generally U-shaped configuration therewith, said first leg being foreshortened with respect to said second leg and including an end portion tapered in a direction away from said base, said tapered end portion including a dart-like projection extending perpendicularly to said first leg and in a direction toward said second leg, said second leg having a V-shaped cut-out portion adjacent the edge opposite said base forming a pair of spaced V-shaped prong portions, said prong portions bent adjacent the end remote from said base to form V-shaped indent portions projecting perpendicularly to said second leg and in a direction toward said first leg, said indent portions spaced a greater distance remote from said base than said dartlike portion, said legs spaced apart a sufiicient distance to permit the insertion of a plurality of flat container sheets of paperboard or the like therebetween, and said dart-like portions and said indent portions adapted to be inserted into said sheets for holding said sheets in confronting engagement with one another, said legs being non-parallel in the open position and generally parallel to one another when holding said sheets in confronting engagement with one another.

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